As we have mentioned many times before, Takashi Miike is a director that can shoot anything, as his career and his ‘director-for-hire' style have proven repeatedly. As such, it comes as no surprise that Apple commissioned him to shoot a short film using only an iPhone 15 Pro, in order to highlight the capabilities of the model. The result was “Midnight” a film based on the homonymous manga by Osamu Tezuka.
Check the full movie
In intensely bright and colorful fashion, with the neon lights of Tokyo setting the tone, we are introduced to the protagonist of the 19-minute short, a late-night taxi driver named Midnight. As the movie begins, he is hosting a very noisy and in general annoying couple, who do get their punishment, however, almost immediately, in the most scary but also funny fashion. The film then starts moving in neo-noir paths, with a meeting of rather shady characters taking place,...
Check the full movie
In intensely bright and colorful fashion, with the neon lights of Tokyo setting the tone, we are introduced to the protagonist of the 19-minute short, a late-night taxi driver named Midnight. As the movie begins, he is hosting a very noisy and in general annoying couple, who do get their punishment, however, almost immediately, in the most scary but also funny fashion. The film then starts moving in neo-noir paths, with a meeting of rather shady characters taking place,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Exclusive: House of Ninjas creator Dave Boyle and the star and co-ep of the Netflix series, Kento Kaku, are opening the doors to their new production company, Signal181.
The international nature of the venture is reflected in the name, which combines the country codes of Japan (+81) and the United States (+1). Signal181’s mission is to develop and co-produce projects with global partners on both sides of the Pacific including original movies and series for streaming and broadcast as well as theatrical titles. Signal181’s first projects will be Japanese-language originals. Their flagship office will be based in Tokyo, Japan with plans for expansion in the future.
Kaku tells Deadline, “At the time, I am thrilled to announce the formation of production company SIGNAL181 along with Dave Boyle. I look forward to bringing never-before-seen original stories to the world, made with boundless creative freedom, along with my comrade-in-arms Dave, who I...
The international nature of the venture is reflected in the name, which combines the country codes of Japan (+81) and the United States (+1). Signal181’s mission is to develop and co-produce projects with global partners on both sides of the Pacific including original movies and series for streaming and broadcast as well as theatrical titles. Signal181’s first projects will be Japanese-language originals. Their flagship office will be based in Tokyo, Japan with plans for expansion in the future.
Kaku tells Deadline, “At the time, I am thrilled to announce the formation of production company SIGNAL181 along with Dave Boyle. I look forward to bringing never-before-seen original stories to the world, made with boundless creative freedom, along with my comrade-in-arms Dave, who I...
- 4/3/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In these culturally sensitive times, having an American director and showrunner on a quintessentially Japanese series is sure to raise the issue of cultural appropriation. But the Dave Boyle-directed “House of Ninjas,” which Netflix launched in February, stands out not only as a hit, but as a seemingly happy blend of East and West.
An original story about the last living ninja family in modern times, the show ranked as the streamer’s top non-English show in 16 countries and regions, as well as reached the Top 10 list in 92 countries.
In an interview with Variety, Boyle said that surprising career left-turns brought him to the series and helped him keep the show authentically Japanese.
At what stage did you join the project?
It all started with Kento Kaku, the star of the show, and his two comrades, Murao Yoshiaki and Imai Takafumi who started working on a ninja revival show.
An original story about the last living ninja family in modern times, the show ranked as the streamer’s top non-English show in 16 countries and regions, as well as reached the Top 10 list in 92 countries.
In an interview with Variety, Boyle said that surprising career left-turns brought him to the series and helped him keep the show authentically Japanese.
At what stage did you join the project?
It all started with Kento Kaku, the star of the show, and his two comrades, Murao Yoshiaki and Imai Takafumi who started working on a ninja revival show.
- 3/27/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Prolific genre filmmaker Takashi Miike (Audition, Ichi the Killer) quietly released short film “Midnight,” based on a manga by Osamu Tezuka, on Apple’s YouTube channel yesterday. And that’s not even the most impressive part: per THR, the filmmaker shot the thrilling short on an Apple iPhone 15 Pro.
Watch “Midnight” below.
The short film “centers on a late-night taxi driver named Midnight, played by popular Japanese actor Kento Kaku, who roams the streets of Tokyo offering help to those in need. The film follows Midnight as he comes to the aid of a young woman, played by Konatsu Kato, who is struggling to take over her recently deceased father’s truck-driving business while fighting off a nefarious local gang, led by an evil boss played by the acclaimed character actor Yukiyoshi Ozawa.”
The 19-minute comedic action short looks incredible for being shot on an iPhone, and mixes live-action with manga illustrations.
Watch “Midnight” below.
The short film “centers on a late-night taxi driver named Midnight, played by popular Japanese actor Kento Kaku, who roams the streets of Tokyo offering help to those in need. The film follows Midnight as he comes to the aid of a young woman, played by Konatsu Kato, who is struggling to take over her recently deceased father’s truck-driving business while fighting off a nefarious local gang, led by an evil boss played by the acclaimed character actor Yukiyoshi Ozawa.”
The 19-minute comedic action short looks incredible for being shot on an iPhone, and mixes live-action with manga illustrations.
- 3/6/2024
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Midnight is one of manga master Osamu Tezuka's lesser-known works. Published in two parts just two years before his passing, it tells the story of Midnight, a mysterious taxi driver who encounters strange passengers during his late-night drives. Today, a new short film has dropped, inspired by the classic manga—and it was filmed entirely on the iPhone 15 Pro. The 19-minute film was directed by Takashi Miike, known for everything from gritty films like Audition and Ichi the Killer to his adaptations of Ace Attorney and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure . Film and TV actor Kento Kaku plays Midnight, who roams the streets of Tokyo in his specially modified taxi. Konatsu Kato plays Kaede, a young trucker on the run from her father's killer (played by Yukiyoshi Ozawa). Miike himself has a cameo as Kaede's late father in a flashback. Watch the entire short here. Don't forget to turn on...
- 3/6/2024
- by Kara Dennison
- Crunchyroll
Apple had a surprise in store Wednesday for fans of Japanese manga and the always-stimulating, neo-noir cinema of Takashi Miike — a 19-minute short film made by the filmmaker using only an iPhone 15 Pro.
Titled Midnight, the mini-movie is an adaptation of a lesser-known work by legendary Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Much of the film takes place in neon-lit Tokyo at night, including a thrilling car chase sequence — a deliberate exercise on Apple’s part to showcase their device’s video capture capabilities in low lighting. (Watch the film below)
The story centers on a late-night taxi driver named “Midnight” played by popular Japanese actor Kento Kaku, who roams the streets of Tokyo offering help to those in need. The film follows Midnight as he comes to the aid of a young woman, played by Konatsu Kato, who is struggling to take over her recently deceased father’s truck-driving business...
Titled Midnight, the mini-movie is an adaptation of a lesser-known work by legendary Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Much of the film takes place in neon-lit Tokyo at night, including a thrilling car chase sequence — a deliberate exercise on Apple’s part to showcase their device’s video capture capabilities in low lighting. (Watch the film below)
The story centers on a late-night taxi driver named “Midnight” played by popular Japanese actor Kento Kaku, who roams the streets of Tokyo offering help to those in need. The film follows Midnight as he comes to the aid of a young woman, played by Konatsu Kato, who is struggling to take over her recently deceased father’s truck-driving business...
- 3/6/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
House of Ninjas Review (Photo Credit – Netflix/YouTube)
House of Ninjas Review: Star Rating:
Cast: Kento Kaku, Yosuke Eguchi, Tae Kimura, Kengo Kora, Aju Makita, Nobuko Miyamoto, Riho Yoshioka, and Takayuki Yamada.
Creator: Dave Boyle
Director: Dave Boyle
Streaming On: Netflix
Language: Japanese (with subtitles)
Runtime: 8 episodes, around 1 hour each.
House of Ninjas Review (Photo Credit – Netflix/YouTube) House of Ninjas Review: What’s It About
House of Ninjas is a new Netflix series developed by Dave Boyle and follows the adventures of the Tawara family, who from the outside look like a fairly normal family, with a working father, a housewife mother, cute kids, and a charming grandmother. However, in reality, the family belongs to a secret clan of Ninjas, also known as Shinobi, and they must go back into action once the threat of another murderous clan returns to make the lives of everyone living in Tokyo hell.
House of Ninjas Review: Star Rating:
Cast: Kento Kaku, Yosuke Eguchi, Tae Kimura, Kengo Kora, Aju Makita, Nobuko Miyamoto, Riho Yoshioka, and Takayuki Yamada.
Creator: Dave Boyle
Director: Dave Boyle
Streaming On: Netflix
Language: Japanese (with subtitles)
Runtime: 8 episodes, around 1 hour each.
House of Ninjas Review (Photo Credit – Netflix/YouTube) House of Ninjas Review: What’s It About
House of Ninjas is a new Netflix series developed by Dave Boyle and follows the adventures of the Tawara family, who from the outside look like a fairly normal family, with a working father, a housewife mother, cute kids, and a charming grandmother. However, in reality, the family belongs to a secret clan of Ninjas, also known as Shinobi, and they must go back into action once the threat of another murderous clan returns to make the lives of everyone living in Tokyo hell.
- 2/21/2024
- by Nelson Acosta
- KoiMoi
Long ago in feudal Japan, ninjas (or shinobi) were masterful mercenaries hired by warlords to lead dangerous espionage missions to catch the baddies. But now it’s 2024, and ninjas… don’t really exist — except in House of Ninjas, the new spy thriller from writer-director Dave Boyle (Man from Reno) starring Kento Kaku, Yosuke Eguchi, and Tae Kimura. The series imagines a world in which ninja clans are alive and well — except they’re (mostly) retired. So when an evil clan threatens Japan, a family of former ninjas covertly comes out of retirement to foil the plot… and kick ass and take names.
When will House of Ninjas be released?
Stream it now.
Where can I find the trailer for House of Ninjas?
Check it out at the top of this page.
Who’s in the cast of House of Ninjas? What happens in House of Ninjas?
Everyone in the Tawara...
When will House of Ninjas be released?
Stream it now.
Where can I find the trailer for House of Ninjas?
Check it out at the top of this page.
Who’s in the cast of House of Ninjas? What happens in House of Ninjas?
Everyone in the Tawara...
- 2/19/2024
- by Ingrid Ostby
- Tudum - Netflix
A Netflix Japanese thriller, House of Ninjas is a gripping story revolving around the last of the Shinobi families, the Tawaras. The Tawara patriarch, Souichi Tawara, decided to leave their original identity as ninjas behind and lead a normal life, but the reemergence of their rival clan, the Fumas, became a reason for the Tawaras to change their decision. To protect their country from an evil entity like the Fuma leader, Yosuke, the Tawaras took up their responsibility as Shinobis and fought against their enemies. Let’s talk about this cast of interesting characters in the series and learn about their journey.
Souichi
Played by Yosuke Eguchi, Souichi Tawara is the family patriarch of the Tawaras. Souichi and his family had suffered a tragic loss six years ago when, in a fight against the Fumas, he lost his elder son, Gaku. Ever since, Souichi decided to retire from their old...
Souichi
Played by Yosuke Eguchi, Souichi Tawara is the family patriarch of the Tawaras. Souichi and his family had suffered a tragic loss six years ago when, in a fight against the Fumas, he lost his elder son, Gaku. Ever since, Souichi decided to retire from their old...
- 2/17/2024
- by Poulami Nanda
- Film Fugitives
“Only ignorant fools say ‘ninja.’” So claims Taki, the mysterious matron of the Tawara family, as she sternly corrects her grandson in the old ways. Played by veteran actress Nobuko Miyamoto, there’s much more to Grandma Taki than meets the eye. Such is the way of the world in Netflix’s new series, House of Ninjas. The proper term is “shinobi.” It’s what was used historically.
House of Ninjas is a new action dramedy that follows a modern-day shinobi family who has forsaken the lethal trade of their ancestors for a “normal” life. And like in every dramedy, the Tawaras are comically and tragically dysfunctional. The family patriarch, Soichi (Yosuke Eguchi) struggles to maintain a low-key profile whilst his wife Yoko (Tae Kimura) and daughter Nagi (Aju Makita) succumb to their old devious habits, stealing stuff just for the rush. Their thievery goes from grocery store shoplifting to museum art object theft.
House of Ninjas is a new action dramedy that follows a modern-day shinobi family who has forsaken the lethal trade of their ancestors for a “normal” life. And like in every dramedy, the Tawaras are comically and tragically dysfunctional. The family patriarch, Soichi (Yosuke Eguchi) struggles to maintain a low-key profile whilst his wife Yoko (Tae Kimura) and daughter Nagi (Aju Makita) succumb to their old devious habits, stealing stuff just for the rush. Their thievery goes from grocery store shoplifting to museum art object theft.
- 2/15/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Netflix has revealed that its Japanese slate for the year ahead includes three films and a seven new and returning series.
The features include Drawing Closer by Takahiro Miki, a director well-known for romantic dramas such as Love Me, Love Me Not and Your Eyes Tell. It follows a young man with a terminal illness who falls for a woman who is also living on borrowed time. The cast is led by Ren Nagase and Natsuki Deguchi.
It is based on a best-selling novel by Ao Morita and is scripted by Tomoko Yoshida, whose collaborations with Miki go back to...
The features include Drawing Closer by Takahiro Miki, a director well-known for romantic dramas such as Love Me, Love Me Not and Your Eyes Tell. It follows a young man with a terminal illness who falls for a woman who is also living on borrowed time. The cast is led by Ren Nagase and Natsuki Deguchi.
It is based on a best-selling novel by Ao Morita and is scripted by Tomoko Yoshida, whose collaborations with Miki go back to...
- 2/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
"For the sake of your family, it's time to go back to being a ninja." A whole house of ninjas?! Now just one or two or three, but an entire house of them in one series. Awesome. Netflix has revealed the main official trailer for House of Ninjas, an upcoming action thriller series arriving for streaming on Netflix next week. If this is your jam, it's out to watch very soon! Not too long of a wait. Ninjas have fascinated the world with their mysterious and fearsome physical abilities... but what if they were still hiding in modern Japan? Watch an all-original story about the last ninja family — one that abandoned its identity following a past mission — facing a crisis that shakes the nation. This Japanese production from Toho & Netflix stars Kento Kaku as Haru, Yôsuke Eguchi as Souichi, Tae Kimura as Yoko, with Kengo Kôra as Gaku, Aju Makita,...
- 2/7/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Everything you need to know about Netflix’s House of Ninjas. ( Photo Credit – Netflix / YouTube )
Netflix dropped some exciting teasers and trailers of some of the upcoming titles that will be releasing on the streaming platform in 2024. From Bridgerton Season 3 to Squid Game Season 2 sneak peeks and trailers, there’s something for all kinds of viewers. One new show that has got everyone excited is House of Ninjas. The Japanese action series includes some incredible talent from all over the world.
Whether it is Korean Dramas or anime, Netflix has been sitting on the throne for providing the best stories for the past few years. The streaming giant has been tapping into Japanese content for quite some time. Whether it’s an action series or romantic dramas, they are not limiting themselves to a particular genre. Hence, it’s a big deal that they’re now treating their audience with a live-action Ninja series.
Netflix dropped some exciting teasers and trailers of some of the upcoming titles that will be releasing on the streaming platform in 2024. From Bridgerton Season 3 to Squid Game Season 2 sneak peeks and trailers, there’s something for all kinds of viewers. One new show that has got everyone excited is House of Ninjas. The Japanese action series includes some incredible talent from all over the world.
Whether it is Korean Dramas or anime, Netflix has been sitting on the throne for providing the best stories for the past few years. The streaming giant has been tapping into Japanese content for quite some time. Whether it’s an action series or romantic dramas, they are not limiting themselves to a particular genre. Hence, it’s a big deal that they’re now treating their audience with a live-action Ninja series.
- 2/2/2024
- by Pooja Darade
- KoiMoi
Netflix has greenlit a Japanese drama series about the last ninjas to remain in modern times.
Man From Reno director Dave Boyle is behind House of Ninjas, which will air in 2024 and is based on a story by Kento Kaku, Yoshiaki Murao and Takafumi Imai.
The series will tell the story of the Tawara family, the last ninja family that abandoned its roots after an incident took place, who must take on the greatest crisis in Japanese history, threatening to shake the nation to its core.
Ninjas have been an area of fascination over the centuries and, as shown in the program, the legendary Japanese heroes of the shadows remain active today.
Boyle, who also wrote and directed Big Dreams, Little Tokyo, White on Rice and Surrogate Valentine and tends to utilize primarily Asian or Asian-American casts, will pen with Masahiro Yamaura, Kota Oura and Kanna Kimura.
Toho Studios’ House...
Man From Reno director Dave Boyle is behind House of Ninjas, which will air in 2024 and is based on a story by Kento Kaku, Yoshiaki Murao and Takafumi Imai.
The series will tell the story of the Tawara family, the last ninja family that abandoned its roots after an incident took place, who must take on the greatest crisis in Japanese history, threatening to shake the nation to its core.
Ninjas have been an area of fascination over the centuries and, as shown in the program, the legendary Japanese heroes of the shadows remain active today.
Boyle, who also wrote and directed Big Dreams, Little Tokyo, White on Rice and Surrogate Valentine and tends to utilize primarily Asian or Asian-American casts, will pen with Masahiro Yamaura, Kota Oura and Kanna Kimura.
Toho Studios’ House...
- 9/8/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney has pulled back the curtain on its slate of Asia-Pacific films and TV shows set for its two-year-old streaming service. Among the fare set to run on Disney+ is Rookies, a romantic drama set at an elite police academy that stars K-pop sensation Kang Daniel, and Blackpink: The Movie, a documentary about the popular K-pop group tied to its fifth anniversary.
Those are among 20-plus global, regional and local-language projects revealed today as headed for Disney+ as South Korean drama series Squid Game has become a global phenomenon. Check out the slate below.
The new Apac projects include original productions from scripted live-action tentpole series including drama, comedy, fantasy, romance, sci-fi, crime and horror to variety shows, documentaries and anime from markets including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Greater China and Australia. Subject to local availability, the new Apac content titles will be available on the streaming service over the next year,...
Those are among 20-plus global, regional and local-language projects revealed today as headed for Disney+ as South Korean drama series Squid Game has become a global phenomenon. Check out the slate below.
The new Apac projects include original productions from scripted live-action tentpole series including drama, comedy, fantasy, romance, sci-fi, crime and horror to variety shows, documentaries and anime from markets including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Greater China and Australia. Subject to local availability, the new Apac content titles will be available on the streaming service over the next year,...
- 10/14/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The film stars Tatsuya Fujiwara and is the third in the series.
Japan’s Nippon Television (Ntv) is launching sales at Asian Film Market on the third installment in its series based on the popular Kaiji manga, Kaiji: Final Game, again starring Tatsuya Fujiwara.
Created by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, the Kaiji manga about a consummate gambler and his misadventures has previously spawned an anime TV series and two live-action films: Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler (2009) and Kaiji 2: Jinsei Dakkai Game (2011). The manga also inspired a Chinese live-action film, Animal World, released in June 2018.
Kaiji: Final Game, again directed by Toya Sato,...
Japan’s Nippon Television (Ntv) is launching sales at Asian Film Market on the third installment in its series based on the popular Kaiji manga, Kaiji: Final Game, again starring Tatsuya Fujiwara.
Created by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, the Kaiji manga about a consummate gambler and his misadventures has previously spawned an anime TV series and two live-action films: Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler (2009) and Kaiji 2: Jinsei Dakkai Game (2011). The manga also inspired a Chinese live-action film, Animal World, released in June 2018.
Kaiji: Final Game, again directed by Toya Sato,...
- 10/5/2019
- by 89¦Liz Shackleton¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
The wonderful trilogy based on the homonymous manga series by Yuki Suetsugu reaches its ending and its climax in the third part, in a one of the best adaptations of the recent years.
Chihayafuru 3 is screening at the Toronto Japanese Film Festival
The story of this part takes place 2 years after the second one, when Chihaya is now a high school senior. Her problems, however, seem to be more and more significant, as they surpass the borders of Karuta. The search for new members is more imminent than ever, since a number of the former ones are in their last year in high school. Even more, the new arrivals seem to care more for her and Taichi’s looks than the actual game. Both Chihaya and Taichi also have to think about the future outside of the game, while Taichi’s parents pressure him to quit Karuta in order to...
Chihayafuru 3 is screening at the Toronto Japanese Film Festival
The story of this part takes place 2 years after the second one, when Chihaya is now a high school senior. Her problems, however, seem to be more and more significant, as they surpass the borders of Karuta. The search for new members is more imminent than ever, since a number of the former ones are in their last year in high school. Even more, the new arrivals seem to care more for her and Taichi’s looks than the actual game. Both Chihaya and Taichi also have to think about the future outside of the game, while Taichi’s parents pressure him to quit Karuta in order to...
- 6/17/2018
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The official website for the upcoming teen softball comedy, Softboy, has been updated with a new trailer. The film was directed by Keisuke Toyoshima, who previously helmed segments in several omnibus projects like Ghost vs. Alien 03 and Hijoshi Zukan, as well as episodes of The Ancient Dogoo Girl TV series.
The film stars Kento Nagayama as a student named Onitsuka who’s been spending the last summer of his high school life considering his future goals—chief among them being to one day become a master chef of French cuisine. One day he’s approached by his friend Noguchi (Kento Kaku) with a harebrained scheme; if they start the first and only youth softball team in Saga Prefecture, they’d have to be invited to the national tournament by default—making them local sports heroes. Together they assemble a group of 9 players to field a team and begin practicing, but...
The film stars Kento Nagayama as a student named Onitsuka who’s been spending the last summer of his high school life considering his future goals—chief among them being to one day become a master chef of French cuisine. One day he’s approached by his friend Noguchi (Kento Kaku) with a harebrained scheme; if they start the first and only youth softball team in Saga Prefecture, they’d have to be invited to the national tournament by default—making them local sports heroes. Together they assemble a group of 9 players to field a team and begin practicing, but...
- 4/6/2010
- Nippon Cinema
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